How many of you are interested in
▪ Working in broadcast?
▪ What is your ideal job?
▪ Why
If you could pick any company or location
▪ What or where would it be?
▪ Why that company
▪ Why that location
Your search
Cast a wide net
▪ The more places you are willing to work
▪ The more likely you will find a job
▪ Early experience is important
▪ Try for a variety of positions
▪ Small companies may be more willing to hire you
▪ Multiple skills will help you grow
Set realistic expectations
Don’t expect to get rich right away
▪ Pay for entry level broadcast writers may not be great
▪ Expect to do a variety of jobs that you will learn from
▪ Even if they aren’t what you want to do forever
▪ Remember, experience helps you grow
Talent
Some writers will be more natural than others
▪ Your resume will be an indicator of your talent
Experience
What type of writing have you done before
▪ Television, Commercials, PSA’s, Radio
▪ The more variety
▪ The better your chances
Minimum qualifications
These are usually identified in the announcement
▪ Education, experience, skills, etc
References
These are people who can vouch for your work
▪ Who would be good references for
▪ Current students
▪ Recent college grads
Activity
Using they computer
▪ Find 3 or more job postings relevant to broadcast writing
▪ That YOU may be interested in and identify/write down
▪ What company is it with
▪ Where is it located
▪ What are the minimum qualifications
▪ How much is the pay
Job Stability
Have you bounced around a lot
▪ If you have, hiring managers might be hesitant
Negotiating
How much should you make?
▪ If you had a chance to get hired as a broadcast writer
▪ TODAY
▪ How much would you ask for?
Building your application
Cover letter
▪ Keep it brief (less than one page)
▪ Establish interest in job & availability for interview
▪ Make sure you pursue the job you want
▪ Or one that will get you to that one
Resume
▪ Should be concise
▪ One page limit is not a requirement
▪ Stick to what is relevant
▪ Only use information that applies to the job
▪ Personal info is unnecessary
▪ Never exaggerate your experience
▪ A lie can be detrimental to your cause
▪ Include references
▪ Makes job easier for hiring editor
Published work
Examples of what you have written
▪ Internships
▪ School Radio/TV
▪ Used to demonstrate your talent
▪ Make sure you send your best work
▪ Makes sure it is a variety of content
The interview
Be honest about your skills, accomplishments
Be yourself
Do some homework on the company
▪ Needs, changes, future outlook, etc
Prepare questions for the interviewers
Proving yourself
Getting the job is just the start
▪ You must constantly prove yourself to
▪ Colleagues
▪ Sources
▪ Readers
▪ Yourself
Performance
Always try to improve
▪ Life long learning
▪ Extra training for knowledge and skill improvement
Attitude
Healthy attitude
▪ Confidence in ability
▪ Humility with what you don’t know
Agents
▪ Usually beneficial for high level jobs in large markets
▪ Help to find openings & negotiate